Methods and systems for displaying representations of facial expressions and activity indicators on devices

ABSTRACT

A method for displaying representations of facial expressions on devices includes receiving, by a processor on a device, data from a sensor coupled to the device. The method includes identifying, by the processor, responsive to the received data, a level of progress that a user of the device made towards a goal. The method includes selecting, by the processor, responsive to the identification, an icon representing a facial expression. The method includes modifying, by the processor, a level of power for each of a plurality of light indicators embedded in the device to display the icon.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/857,016, filed on Jul. 22, 2013, entitled “Methodsand Systems for Displaying Representations of Facial Expressions andActivity Indicators on Devices,” which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to generating displays on devices. Moreparticularly, the methods and systems described herein relate todisplaying representations of facial expressions and activity indicatorson personal fitness devices.

In conventional systems, a personal fitness device uses text messagesand icons to motivate a user of the personal fitness device. However, insuch systems, the icons and messages are typically selected based on alevel of activity of the user of the personal fitness device. Suchsystems do not typically provide functionality for selecting icons ormessages to display based on a level of progress towards a userobjective. Nor do such systems typically provide an indication of a typeof activity the personal fitness device is monitoring.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Users of devices such as personal fitness devices often use thesedevices while undertaking vigorous physical activities, such as walking,running, swimming, and cycling. In some aspects, methods and systemsdescribed herein provide users engaged in such activities with userinterfaces that convey data with minimal user input and attention. Forexample, in one embodiment, a user interface on a personal fitnessdevice provides succinct and useful information accessible to the userwhile requiring a minimal amount of time to view the user interface;such a user interface may be said to provide a “glance-able” display.

In one aspect, a method for displaying representations of facialexpressions on devices includes receiving, by a processor on a device,data from a sensor coupled to the device. The method includesidentifying, by the processor, responsive to the received data, a levelof progress that a user of the device made towards a goal. The methodincludes selecting, by the processor, responsive to the identification,an icon representing a facial expression. The method includes modifying,by the processor, a level of power for each of a plurality of lightindicators embedded in the device to display the icon.

In another aspect, a method for displaying a representation of a type ofactivity monitored by a device includes receiving, by a processor on adevice, data from a sensor coupled to the device. The method includesidentifying, by the processor, responsive to the received data, a typeof activity of a user of the device. The method includes selecting, bythe processor, responsive to the identification, at least one iconrepresenting the type of activity. The method includes modifying, by theprocessor, a level of power for each of a plurality of light indicatorsembedded in the device to display the icon.

In still another aspect, a method for displaying a representation of atype of activity monitored by a device includes receiving, by aprocessor on a device, from a user of the device, an identification of atype of activity undertaken by the user. The method includesidentifying, by the processor, responsive to the received data, a typeof activity of a user of the device. The method includes selecting, bythe processor, responsive to the identification, at least one iconrepresenting the type of activity. The method includes modifying, by theprocessor, a level of power for each of a plurality of light indicatorsembedded in the device to display the icon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages ofthe disclosure will become more apparent and better understood byreferring to the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a system forrepresenting facial expressions on a device;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a device with aplurality of light indicators for representing facial expressions;

FIG. 1C is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a table accessibleby a processor for selecting an icon in a plurality of icons torepresent a facial expression on a device;

FIG. 1D is a block diagram depicting another embodiment of a tableaccessible by a processor for selecting an icon in a plurality of iconsto represent a facial expression on a device;

FIG. 1E is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a pattern ofmodifications to a level of power of one or more of a plurality of lightindicators to display a representation of a facial expression;

FIG. 1F is a block diagram depicting another embodiment of a pattern ofmodifications to a level of power of one or more of a plurality of lightindicators to display a representation of a facial expression;

FIG. 1G is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a pattern ofmodifications to a level of power of one or more of a plurality of lightindicators to display a representation of a facial expression conveyingdisappointment;

FIG. 1H is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a pattern ofmodifications to a level of power of one or more of a plurality of lightindicators to display a representation of a facial expression conveyinga winking face;

FIG. 1I is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a pattern ofmodifications to a level of power of one or more of a plurality of lightindicators to display a representation of a facial expression conveyingexcitement;

FIG. 1J is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a pattern ofmodifications to a level of power of one or more of a plurality of lightindicators to display a representation of a type of bipedal activity;

FIG. 1K is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a pattern ofmodifications to a level of power of one or more of a plurality of lightindicators to display a representation of a type of water-basedactivity;

FIG. 1L is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a pattern ofmodifications to a level of power of one or more of a plurality of lightindicators to display a representation of a type of cycling activity;

FIG. 1M is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a pattern ofmodifications to a level of power of one or more of a plurality of lightindicators to display an icon representing a level of progress towards agoal;

FIG. 2A is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method forrepresenting facial expressions on a device;

FIG. 2B is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method forrepresenting a type of activity monitored by a device; and

FIG. 2C is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method forrepresenting, on a device, a level of progress a user made towards agoal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1A, a block diagram depicts an embodiment of asystem for representing facial expressions on a device. The systemincludes a device 102, a sensor 105, a processor 121, and a plurality oflight indicators 120.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, the system includes a device 102. In someembodiments, the device 102 is a personal fitness device. Personalfitness devices include, without limitation, stand-alone devices (suchas pedometers) and applications integrated into other devices (such asan application executed by a mobile phone, personal digital assistant,or other computing device, the application providing functionality suchas tracking distances walked or run by a user). In some embodiments, thepersonal fitness device includes one or more sensors 105 for monitoring,tracking, and/or otherwise determining data including physicalparameters associated with an individual. The device 102 may include atleast one data store (not shown) for storing data such as, withoutlimitation, data associated with the individual, the physicalparameters/data, and one or more computer program instructions forexecuting the methods described herein. The device 102 may also includeone or more processors 121 for controlling operation of the device 102.The device 102 may also include one or more communication components forwirelessly communicating, to one or more other computing devices, thestored physical parameters and/or physical parameters acquired inreal-time and/or during the course of use by the user. The device 102can also include one or more power sources.

The physical parameters can be physiological, geospatial/timing, and/orthe like. Examples of physiological parameters include, but are notlimited to, heart and/or pulse rate, blood pressure, muscle electricalpotential, nerve electrical potential, temperature, brain waves, motion,measures of activity, number of steps taken, and/or the like. Examplesof geospatial and/or timing parameters include but are not limited to,location, acceleration, pace, distance, altitude, direction, velocity,speed, time elapsed, time left, and/or the like. Accordingly, the one ormore sensors 105 can include, but are not limited to, one or moretemperature sensors, electrical sensors, conductance sensors,accelerometers, magnetometers, capacitive sensors, optical sensors,cameras, global positioning system (GPS) sensors, and/or the like.

The one or more communication components can be implemented in software(e.g., as a communication module stored in the storage media or of theone or more processors 121) and/or hardware (e.g., as a separatecircuit, antenna, speakers, light emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.) toenable any suitable communication protocol. The communication protocolcan include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth, low power Bluetooth(BLE), near field communication (NFC), radio frequency (RF), Wi-Fi,and/or the like. In some embodiments, the communication protocol caninclude audio-based protocols such as using a modem to transmit datausing audio frequencies and/or ultrasonic frequencies. In someembodiments, the communication protocol can include light-based opticaldata transfer, such as a pattern of blinking LEDs, for example. In someembodiments, the communication protocol can encompass variations of amagnetic field associated with the device 102, such as with anelectromagnet of the device 102.

The one or more data stores (not shown) of the device 102 can be anysuitable storage media for storing the physical parameters. In someembodiments, the storage media include non-transitory computer-readablemedia. In some embodiments, the storage media include non-volatilecomputer storage media such as flash memory, EEPROM (ElectricallyErasable Programmable Memory), FRAM (Ferroelectric Random AccessMemory), NVRAM, (Non Volatile Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static RandomAccess Memory), and DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The one or moreprocessors 121 can be any suitable processing device for controllingoperation of the various components of the device 102. In someembodiments, one or more modules are implemented on the storage mediaand/or the processor 121 for controlling operation of the device 102.

The one or more power sources of the device 102 can include, but is notlimited to, replaceable batteries such as button cells, an integratedbattery, a rechargeable battery, capacitors, super-capacitors, and/orthe like.

In one embodiment, a user operates the device 102 to collectuser-specific information, such as physical parameters associateddirectly or indirectly with the user. In some embodiments, the device102 can include a personal fitness device or activity tracker such as,but not limited to, a pedometer, a physiological monitor such as a heartrate monitor, a respiration monitor, a GPS system (including GPSwatches), and/or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, a flow diagram depicts an embodiment of amethod for representing facial expressions on a device. In briefoverview, the method 200 includes receiving, by a processor on a device,data from a sensor coupled to the device (202). The method 200 includesidentifying, by the processor, responsive to the received data, a levelof progress that a user of the device made towards a goal (204). Themethod 200 includes selecting, by the processor, responsive to theidentification, an icon representing a facial expression (206). Themethod 200 includes modifying, by the processor, a level of power foreach of a plurality of light indicators embedded in the device todisplay the icon (208).

Referring now to FIG. 2A in greater detail, the method 200 includesreceiving, by a processor on a device, data from a sensor coupled to thedevice (202). As described above, the sensor 105 may monitor one or morephysical parameters and generate data associated with the monitored oneor more physical parameters. The sensor 105 may transmit the generateddata to the processor 121. Alternatively, the sensor 105 may store thegenerated data in a data store accessible by the processor 121.

The processor identifies, responsive to the received data, a level ofprogress that a user of the device made towards a goal (204). In oneembodiment, a user has specified a goal such as, without limitation, anumber of steps to take, an amount of time to be physically active, alevel of physical activity to achieve during a particular period, or atype of activity to undertake. In some embodiments, the user accesses asecond device 102 b (not shown) to specify the goal. For example, theuser may access a software application executed by a second device 102 bor a computing device 102 b (e.g., a laptop, personal digital assistant,smartphone, or other computer) and the software application may transmitgoal-related data to the processor 121 during a syncing operation. Inother embodiments, the user provides goal-related data directly to theprocessor 121.

In one embodiment, the processor 121 determines, based upon the datareceived from the sensor 105, that the user is making progress towardscompleting a goal. In another embodiment, the processor 121 determines,based upon the data received from the sensor 105, that the user is notmaking progress towards completing a goal. The processor 121 maydetermine a level of progress that the user has made based on thereceived data. For example, the processor 121 may determine from thereceived data an amount of activity (e.g., a number of steps walked, anumber of laps around a pool, and a number of miles bicycled or run),compare the amount of the activity with a desired amount of activityspecified in the goal, and calculate a percentage of the desired amountof activity achieved. As another example, in some embodiments, thesensor 105 includes an accelerometer and measures a level of activity byanalyzing an accelerometer signal and quantifying the level of activityvia an algorithm such as, by way of example, an algorithm forquantifying distances (e.g., steps and miles). In one of theseembodiments, the processor 121 compares the quantified level of activityto a threshold set by the user in a user application to determine apercentage of a user goal completed by the user. In another of theseembodiments, the threshold is pre-determined by the application. Instill another of these embodiments, the processor 121 compares thequantified level of activity to one of a plurality of thresholds (e.g.,one threshold for each of a plurality of activity types or one thresholdfor each of a plurality of levels of activity). In yet another of theseembodiments, the processor 121 compiles the results from comparing thequantified level of activity to a plurality of thresholds to determine alevel of progress.

The processor selects, responsive to the identification, an iconrepresenting a facial expression (206). The processor 121 may access atable to select one of a plurality of icons. The icons may include,without limitation, a happy face, a sad face, a winking face, adisappointed face, and an excited face. In one embodiment, icons includeexpressions selected to provide feedback (positive or negative) to auser regarding his or her current level of activity. In anotherembodiment, icons include expressions selected to motivate a user of thedevice 102 to modify his or her current level of activity.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, a block diagram depicts one embodiment of atable 130 a accessible by the processor 121 for selecting an icon in aplurality of icons to represent a facial expression to a user of adevice 102. The table 130 a may include an instruction to the processor121 as to how to represent the icon on the device. In the example shownin FIG. 1C, the table 130 a identifies each light indicator in theplurality of light indicators 120 by an identifier, such as a number(e.g., 1, 2, 3, . . . n). It should be understood that numbering each ofthe plurality of light indicators 120 is only one example of how thetable 130 a may identify each of the plurality of light indicators 120;in other embodiments, the table 130 a identifies each of the pluralityof light indicators 120 using other identifiers. In other embodiments,the table 130 a may include an identification of a location in a datastore from which the processor 121 may retrieve instructions. In theexample shown in FIG. 1C, the table 130 a indicates that if theprocessor 121 determines, based on data received from sensor 105, thatthe user has a very low activity level, the processor 121 should displaya “sad face” icon. The table 130 a further indicates that, for thepurposes of this example, the processor 121 should retrieve instructionsfor how to display the “sad face” icon from a “SadPattern.txt” file in a“home” sub-directory of a “TestDevice” directory. The table 130 a mayinclude specific metrics with which the processor 121 may quantifysensor data into various levels of activity. Alternatively, the table130 a may refer the processor 121 to a second table (not shown) withwhich the processor 121 may quantify the received sensor data. Asanother example, the table 130 a indicates that if the processor 121determines, based on data received from sensor 105, that the user has alow activity level, the processor 121 should display a “disappointedface” icon. In this example, the table 130 a specifies the order inwhich the processor 121 should power on and off a plurality of lightindicators 120. In another embodiment, the processor 121 accesses alook-up table to retrieve patterns stored in memory on the device 102.In still another embodiment, the processor 121 accesses data memory intowhich a structure or array has been hardcoded indicating which lightindicators 120 to turn on and when to turn them on. In anotherembodiment, the processor 121 accesses data memory into which analgorithm has been hardcoded, the processor 121 executing the algorithmperiodically to determine which light indicators 120 to turn on at eachstep of an animation. In yet another embodiment, some patterns (e.g.,progress animations) are represented as a combination of theseembodiments depending on the value of the input progress percentage(e.g., certain percentage values use an algorithm while others accessdata structures hardcoded into memory). In other embodiments, dependingon a data range provided as a level of progress, the processor 121 willfollow a particular pattern to play a specific animation.

Referring now to FIG. 1D, a block diagram depicts one embodiment of atable 130 b accessible by the processor 121 for selecting an icon in aplurality of icons to represent a facial expression to a user of adevice 102. In this embodiment, the table 130 b specifies which iconsthe processor 121 should display based on a percentage of a goalaccomplished by a user of the device 102.

The processor modifies a level of power for each of a plurality of lightindicators embedded in the device to display the icon (208). In oneembodiment, the processor 121 modifies the level of power of one of theplurality of light indicators 120 by turning the light indicator on. Inanother embodiment, the processor 121 modifies the level of power of oneof the plurality of light indicators 120 by turning the light indicatoroff. In one embodiment, the processor 121 modifies the level of power ofone of the plurality of light indicators 120 by gradually lowering thepower of the light indicator until the processor 121 turns off the lightindicator. In another embodiment, the processor 121 modifies the levelof power of one of the plurality of light indicators 120 by quicklyand/or abruptly lowering the power of the light indicator until theprocessor 121 turns off the light indicator. In still anotherembodiment, the processor 121 modifies the level of power of one of theplurality of light indicators 120 by gradually increasing the power ofthe light indicator until the processor 121 turns on the lightindicator. In another embodiment, the processor 121 modifies the levelof power of one of the plurality of light indicators 120 by quicklyand/or abruptly increasing the power of the light indicator until theprocessor 121 turns on the light indicator. In still another embodiment,the processor 121 executes a sequence of power modification instructionsto create a pattern of lights on the device that represent a facialexpression. In yet another embodiment, the processor 121 modifies thelevel of power by transmitting an instruction to a power controlcomponent (e.g., an LED driver chip, an individual transistor, oranother microcontroller) that controls a level of power available toeach light indicator. In some embodiments in which the plurality oflight indicators 120 are provided as light emitting diodes (LEDs), theprocessor 121 controls the brightness of the LEDs by quickly flashingthe LEDs on and off and controlling the on-time of each flash usingpulse width modulation. In other embodiments in which the plurality oflight indicators 120 are provided as LEDs, the processor 121 controlsthe brightness of the LEDs by controlling the drive current of themicrocontroller output pin and/or changing the resistance in series withthe LED.

FIG. 1E is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of a pattern ofmodifications to a level of power of one or more of a plurality of lightindicators 120 to display a representation of a facial expression. Asdepicted in FIG. 1E, the processor 121 may modify a level of power ofone or more of the plurality of light indicators 120 in a particularsequence over time. For example, and as shown in FIG. 1E, at a firstpoint in time the processor 121 may first turn on two lights thatrepresent eyes and then slowly turn on a subset of the plurality oflight indicators 120 so that at a second point in time, the devicedisplays a facial expression (a smiling face in FIG. 1E). Afterdisplaying the facial expression, the processor 121 may, at a thirdpoint in time, begin to turn of the lights by first turning off thelights that represented eyes and then fading out the lights thatrepresented the smile.

FIG. 1F is a block diagram depicting another embodiment of a pattern ofmodifications to a level of power of one or more of a plurality of lightindicators 120 to display a representation of a facial expression. Asdepicted in FIG. 1F, the processor 121 may modify a level of power ofone or more of the plurality of light indicators 120 in a particularsequence over time. Although in some embodiments, the processor 121gradually modifies the level of power over time and may modify a levelof power for a first in the plurality of light indicators 120 at adifferent time than it modifies the level of power for a second in theplurality of light indicators 120, in other embodiments, and as shown inFIG. 1F, the processor 121 makes the modification at substantially thesame time. Referring back to FIG. 1D, the processor 121 may access atable 130 to determine whether to turn one or more light indicators inthe plurality of light indicators 121 on at substantially the same timeor over a period of time. As shown in FIG. 1D, the table 130 b mayindicate that if a user has achieved first level of progress, theprocessor 121 should modify the power to at least one the lightindicators 120 gradually and if the user has achieved a second level ofprogress, the processor 121 should modify the power to at least one ofthe light indicators 120 at substantially the same time (for example,and without limitation, if the user has achieved between 50% and 74% ofa goal, the processor 121 should turn lights 1 and 11 on atsubstantially the same time and gradually fade on lights 3-9, but if theuser has achieved between 75 and 90% of the goal, the processor 121should turn lights 1, 3-9, and 11 on at substantially the same time). Inother embodiments, a user may specify whether the user prefers lights tobe turned on at substantially the same time or gradually over aparticular period of time (e.g., by accessing an application in whichthe user can customize preferences or settings for the device 102).

Referring now to FIG. 1G, a block diagram depicts one embodiment of apattern of modifications to a level of power of one or more of aplurality of light indicators 120 to display a representation of afacial expression conveying disappointment. As depicted in FIG. 1G, theprocessor 121 may modify a level of power of one or more of theplurality of light indicators 120 in a particular sequence over time. InFIG. 1G, the pattern of modifications results in a display of adisappointed face.

Referring now to FIG. 1H, a block diagram depicts one embodiment of apattern of modifications to a level of power of one or more of aplurality of light indicators 120 to display a representation of afacial expression conveying a winking face. As depicted in FIG. 1H, theprocessor 121 may modify a level of power of one or more of theplurality of light indicators 120 in a particular sequence over time. InFIG. 1H, the pattern of modifications results in a display of a winkingface.

Referring now to FIG. 1I, a block diagram depicts one embodiment of apattern of modifications to a level of power of one or more of aplurality of light indicators 120 to display a representation of afacial expression conveying excitement. As depicted in FIG. 1I, theprocessor 121 may modify a level of power of one or more of theplurality of light indicators 120 in a particular sequence over time. InFIG. 1I, the pattern of modifications results in a display of an excitedface.

In some embodiments, the processor 121 selects the icon and modifies thelevel of power to the plurality of light indicators 120 at apre-determined time. In other embodiments, the processor 121 selects theicon and modifies the level of power to the plurality of lightindicators 120 upon determining that a user has achieved a predeterminedportion of a goal. In still other embodiments, the processor 121 selectsthe icon and modifies the level of power to the plurality of lightindicators 120 upon receiving an instruction from a user. In one ofthese embodiments, the user physically interacts with the device 102 toprovide the instruction. For example, the user may tap the device 102 apre-determined number of times to instruct the processor 121 to displaythe facial expression. As another example, the user may hold the device102 in a particular way for a pre-determined period of time to triggerthe display of the facial expression; for example, and withoutlimitation, the user may move the device 102 into a pre-determinedposition such as moving the device towards the user's face and holdingthe device at a particular angle for a particular period of time as if,for example, the user were looking at a wristwatch.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, a flow diagram depicts an embodiment of amethod for representing a type of activity monitored by a device. Inbrief overview, a method 250 includes receiving, by a processor on adevice, data from a sensor coupled to the device (252). The method 250includes identifying, by the processor, responsive to the received data,a type of activity of a user of the device (254). The method 250includes selecting, by the processor, responsive to the identification,at least one icon representing the type of activity (256). The method250 includes modifying, by the processor, a level of power for each of aplurality of light indicators embedded in the device to display the icon(258).

Referring now to FIG. 2B in greater detail, the method 250 includesreceiving, by a processor on a device, data from a sensor coupled to thedevice (252). In one embodiment, the processor 121 receives the data asdescribed above in connection with FIG. 2A.

The processor identifies, responsive to the received data, a type ofactivity of a user of the device (254). Types of activities may include,without limitation, walking, running, cycling, and swimming. In oneembodiment, the processor 121 uses a received level of acceleration todetermine the type of activity. For example, a high level ofacceleration may indicate that the user of the device is running orbicycling instead of walking. In another embodiment, the processor 121uses a received motion signature to determine the type of activity. Forexample, if the sensor 105 determines that the user is moving in acyclical pattern at a first speed, the sensor 105 provides a firstmotion signature with which the processor 121 may determine that thedevice 102 is coupled to the user's leg or foot and that the user isbicycling; alternatively, if the sensor 105 determines that the user ismoving in a cyclical pattern at a second speed, the sensor 105 providesa second motion signature with which the processor 121 may determinethat the device 102 is coupled to the user's wrist and that the user isswimming. In other embodiments, the user can manually specify a type ofactivity (e.g., by identifying, in a software application, a type ofactivity undertaken at or scheduled for a particular time and having thesoftware application transmit the identification to the device 102,e.g., during a synchronization operation) and the processor 121 receivesthe specified type. In further embodiments, the user can specify a typeof activity by physically interacting with the device 102 in apredetermined manner. For example, the user may tap the device 102 (ortriple tap, or execute any other predetermined interaction) to indicatethat the user is about to start a specific activity. In such an example,the user may have provided the device 102 with an indication of whatactivity to associate with the physical interaction, for example, byspecifying a preference in a software application that communicates thepreference to the processor 121. In another example, the user mayexecute a physical interaction with the device 102 to cycle through aplurality of activity types (e.g., by tapping the device to cyclethrough the plurality of activity types). In such an example, theprocessor 121 may display a representation of each of the plurality ofactivity types as the user cycles through the plurality.

The processor selects, responsive to the identification, at least oneicon representing the type of activity (256). In some embodiments, theprocessor 121 accesses a table to select an icon, as discussed above inconnection with the description of selecting facial expression icons inFIGS. 2A and 1C-1D.

The processor modifies a level of power for each of a plurality of lightindicators embedded in the device to display the icon (258). In someembodiments, the processor 121 modifies the level of power, asdiscussed, above in connection with FIGS. 2A, and 1C-1F.

Referring now to FIG. 1J, a block diagram depicts one embodiment of apattern of modifications to a level of power of one or more of aplurality of light indicators 120 to display a representation of a typeof bipedal activity. As depicted in FIG. 1J, the processor 121 maymodify a level of power of one or more of the plurality of lightindicators 120 in a particular sequence over time. In FIG. 1J, thepattern of modifications result in a display of a plurality of lightindicators 120 that are animated in two halves using a plurality ofbrightness levels fading in from the bottom to the top, mimicking awalking or running beat to represent a stepping motion.

Referring now to FIG. 1K, a block diagram depicts one embodiment of apattern of modifications to a level of power of one or more of aplurality of light indicators 120 to display a representation of a typeof water-based activity. As depicted in FIG. 1K, the processor 121 maymodify a level of power of one or more of the plurality of lightindicators 120 in a particular sequence over time. In FIG. 1K, thepattern of modifications result in a display of a representation of awater-based activity (such as swimming) by having the lights appear tomove from side to side in a rocking motion that mimics the movement ofwater or waves.

Referring now to FIG. 1L, a block diagram depicts one embodiment of apattern of modifications to a level of power of one or more of aplurality of light indicators 120 to display a representation of a typeof cycling activity. As depicted in FIG. 1L, the processor 121 maymodify a level of power of one or more of the plurality of lightindicators 120 in a particular sequence over time. In FIG. 1L, thepattern of modifications result in a display of a representation of acycling activity by having the lights appear to rotate in a clockwisemotion to mimic the movement of wheels on a bicycle.

It should be understood that the representations described in FIGS.1E-1L are shown merely for purposes of example and do not constitute alimitation of the methods and systems described herein. Embodiments ofthe methods and systems described herein may provide representations ofany type of facial expression or type of activity.

In some embodiments, implementations of the methods and systemsdescribed herein provide interfaces that convey information such as atype of activity undertaken by a user of a device 102. In embodiments inwhich a type of activity may impact calculations such as caloriesburned, miles traveled, steps walked and other physical calculations,the processor 121 may be able to increase a level of accuracy in itscalculations by correctly identifying a type of activity. In one ofthese embodiments, by providing the user of the device 102 with anindication as to the type of activity the processor 121 has concludedthe user is undertaking, the device 102 confirms for the user that theprocessor 121 has identified the correct type of activity, thusincreasing user confidence in the device 102.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, a flow diagram depicts an embodiment of amethod for representing, on a device, a level of progress a user hasmade towards a goal. In brief overview, the method 200 includesreceiving, by a processor on a device, data from a sensor coupled to thedevice (262). The method 200 includes identifying, by the processor,responsive to the received data, a level of progress that a user of thedevice has made towards a goal (264). The method 200 includes selecting,by the processor, responsive to the identification, an icon representingthe level of progress (266). The method 200 includes modifying, by theprocessor, a level of power for each of a plurality of light indicatorsembedded in the device to display the icon (268).

Referring now to FIG. 2C in greater detail, the method 260 includesreceiving, by a processor on a device, data from a sensor coupled to thedevice (262). In one embodiment, the processor 121 receives the data asdescribed above in connection with FIG. 2A.

The processor identifies, responsive to the received data, a level ofprogress that a user of the device made towards a goal (264). In oneembodiment, the processor 121 identifies the level of progress asdescribed above in connection with FIG. 2A.

The processor selects, responsive to the identification, an iconrepresenting the level of progress (266). In some embodiments, theprocessor 121 accesses a table to select an icon, as discussed above inconnection with the description of selecting facial expression icons inFIGS. 2A and 1C-1D. By way of example, and without limitation, the iconmay include a progress bar. In such an example, the processor 121 maymodify the level of power to at least one of the plurality of lightindicators 120 such that the number of lights turned on represents howmuch progress the user has made.

The processor modifies a level of power for each of a plurality of lightindicators embedded in the device to display the icon (268). In someembodiments, the processor 121 modifies the level of power as discussed,as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 2A, and 1C-1F.

Referring now to FIG. 1M, a block diagram depicts one embodiment of anicon representing a level of progress. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1M, the icon is a progress bar indicating that the user hasachieved less than 50% of a goal. As shown in FIG. 1M, in an embodimentin which the processor 121 determines that the user has achieved 40% ofa goal, the processor 121 may determine a total number of lights in theplurality of light indicators 120 and turn on a subset of those lightsrepresenting 40%. As another example, if the processor 121 determinesthat the user has achieved 25% of a goal, the processor 121 would turnon a quarter of the lights and turn on 50% of the lights when the userhas achieved 50% of the goal (three lights and six lights, respectively,in an embodiment in which the plurality of light indicators 120 includes12 lights, for example).

In some embodiments, implementations of the methods and systemsdescribed herein provide interfaces that convey information (such asquantities of activity, types of activity, and motivational messaging)using a plurality of light indicators 120 arranged on the surface of adevice 102. In one of these embodiments, the use of motion, achieved byfading (or quickly switching) the plurality of light indicators 120 onand off, provides additional information to users of the device 102.

It should be understood that the systems described above may providemultiple ones of any or each of those components and these componentsmay be provided on either a standalone machine or, in some embodiments,on multiple machines in a distributed system.

The systems and methods described above may be implemented as a method,apparatus, or article of manufacture using programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof. The techniques described above may be implementedin one or more computer programs executing on a programmable computerincluding a processor, and a storage medium readable by the processor(including, for example, volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storageelements).

Each computer program within the scope of the disclosure may beimplemented in any programming language, such as assembly language,machine language, a high-level procedural programming language, or anobject-oriented programming language. The programming language may, forexample, be LISP, PROLOG, PERL, C, C++, C#, Objective C, JAVA, or anycompiled or interpreted programming language.

Each such computer program may be implemented in a computer programproduct tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device forexecution by a computer processor. Method steps of the invention may beperformed by a computer processor executing a program tangibly embodiedon a computer-readable medium to perform functions of the invention byoperating on input and generating output. Suitable processors include,by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors.Generally, the processor receives instructions and data from a read-onlymemory and/or a random access memory. Storage devices suitable fortangibly embodying computer program instructions include, for example,all forms of computer-readable devices, firmware, programmable logic,hardware (e.g., integrated circuit chip, electronic devices, acomputer-readable non-volatile storage unit, non-volatile memory, suchas semiconductor memory devices, including EPROM, EEPROM, and flashmemory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removabledisks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs). Any of the foregoing may besupplemented by, or incorporated in, specially-designed ASICs(application-specific integrated circuits) or FPGAs (Field-ProgrammableGate Arrays). A computer can generally also receive programs and datafrom a storage medium such as an internal disk (not shown) or aremovable disk. A computer can generally also receive programs and datafrom a storage medium such as an internal disk (not shown) or aremovable disk. These elements will also be found in a conventionaldesktop or workstation computer as well as other computers suitable forexecuting computer programs implementing the methods described herein,which may be used in conjunction with any digital print engine ormarking engine, display monitor, or other raster output device capableof producing color or gray scale pixels on paper, film, display screen,or other output medium. A computer may also receive programs and datafrom a second computer providing access to the programs via a networktransmission line, wireless transmission media, signals propagatingthrough space, radio waves, infrared signals, etc.

Having described certain embodiments of methods and systems fordisplaying representations of facial expressions and activity indicatorson devices, it will now become apparent to one of skill in the art thatother embodiments incorporating the concepts of the disclosure may beused. Therefore, the disclosure should not be limited to certainembodiments, but rather should be limited only by the spirit and scopeof the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for displaying representations of facialexpressions on devices, the method comprising: receiving, by a processoron a device, data from a sensor coupled to the device; identifying, bythe processor, responsive to the received data, a level of progress thata user of the device made towards a goal; selecting, by the processor,responsive to the identification, an icon representing a facialexpression; and modifying, by the processor, a level of power for eachof a plurality of light indicators embedded in the device to display theicon by, for each light indicator of the plurality of light indicators;switching the each light indicator on and off multiple times; andcontrolling an on-time of the each light indiactor using pulse widthmodulation.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising monitoring, bythe sensor, at least one physical parameter of the user.
 3. The methodof claim 2 further comprising generating, by the sensor, data associatedwith the monitored at least one physical parameter.
 4. The method ofclaim 3 further comprising transmitting, by the sensor, to theprocessor, the generated data.
 5. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising determining that the user has made progress towardscompleting a goal, responsive to the received data.
 6. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising determining that the user has not madeprogress towards completing a goal, responsive to the received data. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein identifying further comprises comparingthe received data with a threshold associated with the goal.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein selecting further comprises selecting theicon to provide feedback to the user regarding the level of progress. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein the modifying the level of power for eachof the plurality of light indicators creates a pattern of lights on thedevice, the pattern of lights representing the facial expression.
 10. Asystem comprising a memory and a processor, the system operable toperform a method comprising: receiving data from a sensor coupled to adevice; identifying, responsive to the received data, a level ofprogress that a user of the device made towards a goal; selecting,responsive to the identification, an icon representing a facialexpression; and modifying a level of power for each of a plurality oflight indicators embedded in the device to display the icon by, for eachlight indicator of the plurality of light indicators, modifying a drivecurrent of a microcontroller output, the microcontroller outputconfigured to control the level of power available to the each lightindicator.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the device furthercomprises a personal fitness device.
 12. The system of claim 10, whereinthe sensor further comprises means for determining a physical parameterassociated with the user.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein selectingfurther comprises: retrieving, from a data store, an identification ofthe icon based on an association between the icon and the level ofprogress.
 14. A method for displaying a representation of a type ofactivity monitored by a device, the method comprising: receiving, by aprocessor on a device, data from a sensor coupled to the device;identifying, by the processor, responsive to the received data, a typeof activity of a user of the device; selecting, by the processor,responsive to the identification, at least one icon representing thetype of activity; and modifying, by the processor, a level of power foreach of a plurality of light indicators embedded in the device todisplay the icon by, for each light indicator of the plurality of lightindicators, modifying a drive current of a microcontroller output, themicrocontroller output configured to control the level of poweravailable to the each light indicator.
 15. The method of claim 14wherein identifying further comprises determining, by the processor,responsive to accelerometer data included in the received data, that alevel of acceleration of the user is associated with one of a pluralityof activities.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein identifying furthercomprises determining, by the processor, responsive to a motionsignature included in the received data, that a level of acceleration ofthe user is associated with one of a plurality of activities.
 17. Amethod for displaying a representation of a type of activity monitoredby a device, the method comprising: receiving, by a processor on adevice, from a user of the device, an identification of a type ofactivity undertaken by the user; selecting, by the processor, responsiveto the identification, at least one icon representing the type ofactivity; and modifying, by the processor, a level of power for each ofa plurality of light indicators embedded in the device to display theicon by, for each light indicator of the plurality of light indicators:switching the each light indicator on and off multiple times; andcontrolling an on-time of the each light indicator using pulse widthmodulation.